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Environmental Connection 201401-06-14 | News

Environmental Connection 2014

The IECA, a non-profit member organization for erosion and sediment control professionals, is hosting their annual conference and expo, Environmental Connection, February 25-28, 2014.

The International Erosion Control Association will hold their annual soil and water event, Environmental Connection, February 25-28, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

This four-day event includes educational sessions for the erosion, sediment control and stormwater industry, which will address four educational tracks:

Erosion and Sediment Control

Stormwater Management

Surface Water Restoration

MS4 Management

Seminar attendees have the option to earn professional development hours (PDHs).

Other Events to Attend:

Conference Meetup
When: Tuesday, February 25 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: The Falls
After checking into the hotel, stop by The Falls hotel where you can mingle with fellow industry professionals. This is a great place to reconnect before the conference gets underway the next morning.

Opening Session and Keynote Breakfast
When: Wednesday, February 26 from 7:30 - 9:30 am
Where: Ryman Exhibit Hall B1
The Cumberland River Flood: The Impact & Recovery
In May 2010, a significant weather system brought heavy rain and severe thunderstorms through Nashville, Tenn. leaving some areas receiving more than 19 inches of rain. The Cumberland River crested at 51.86 feet, flooding the city and causing $2.3 billion in damages. The historic Grand Ole Opry and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, host hotel of Environmental Connection 2014, were both left under several feet of water.

At this opening session the Mayor of Nashville, Karl Dean, will greet attendees and discuss City "greening" goals, which rely heavily on water management. Then Gaylord Opryland Hotel Manager, Derek McCann, will discuss the impact the flood had on the hotel's exterior and interior structures. Nashville's Scott Potter, Director of Metro Water Services, will conclude the address by discussing the magnitude of the flood, as well as the tools put into place for efficient response time in the future.

Lunch and Awards Ceremony
When: Wednesday, February 26 from 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Where: Ryman Exhibit Hall B1
Join IECA for lunch as they honor the industry's best and brightest. The Awards for Environmental Excellence presentation will highlight some of the most notable projects, persons and organizations of the year. The Partners for Excellence awards will also be presented.

Thursday Expo Hall Lunch
When: Thursday, February 27 from 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by Mat, Inc.
Enjoy lunch in the expo hall before visiting with Environmental Connection 2014 exhibitors. The exhibit hall will be open from 11:45 am - 6:00 pm.

SOIL Fund Silent Auction
When: Thursday, February 27 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Ryman Exhibit Hall, Booth 115
The proceeds from this event will be donated to the SOIL Fund (IECA's charitable arm). The SOIL Fund provides support for programs and projects that address erosion and sedimentation through applied technology, research, and education.

Thursday Expo Hall Opening Reception
When: Thursday, February 27 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by L&M Supply
Join IECA for appetizers and drinks in the expo hall on Thursday evening as they celebrate the opening of the Environmental Connection 2014 expo hall. The exhibit hall will be open Thursday from 11:45 am - 5:00 pm and again on Friday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Friday Expo Hall Lunch
When: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Where: Friday, February 28 from 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Sponsored by Verdyol Biotic Earth
Enjoy lunch in the expo hall before visiting with Environmental Connection 2014 exhibitors. The exhibit hall will be open from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Closing Bash
When: Friday, February 28 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Where: Fuse Sports Club
Sponsored by Profile Products
This is the place to end your conference experience. Say farewell to new business contacts and old colleagues as you wrap your week up at the world's largest soil and water event. The bash will be complete with gourmet food, drinks, entertainment and cash prizes! IECA will be giving out $2,000 in cash! Four lucky attendees will be leaving with $250 in cash, and two attendees will win the top prize of $500. This is a free event for conference attendees - registration for the bash is included in your conference pass!

IECA's annual conference draws thousands of professionals in the erosion and sediment control industry from around the world each year, and is geared toward:

Landscape Architects
Contractors
Land Developers
Engineers
Utilities
Manufacturers
Contractors
Home Builders
Government Agencies
Academics

For more information about the 2014 Environmental Connection, please visit ieca.org /conference.

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